Buying with us
When do you hold auctions?
All our sales start at 10am, unless otherwise stated. We also host a suite of online-only auctions and regularly have one-off auctions in addition to our calendar.
When can I view the items you have for auction?
Viewing days are usually held the day prior to auction and typically run from 9am to 5pm. Please view the information specific to each sale as sometimes this can change.
I am unable to view items in person — what can I do?
You can email or call our saleroom and speak to a member of staff, who will happily talk to you about your lot or send additional images.
How much will I pay for a lot?
Just like all auctions, a commission is charged on top of the price you bid, added to the hammer price. Online bidding platforms charge an additional fee to use their services, so it’s best to familiarise yourself with these charges in advance. Please check the Important Information on the auction you’re interested in, as sometimes this information can change.
Can I have my items posted?
Yes! We’re happy to pack and post any item… anywhere (taking into consideration any legal parameters, of course). We have a large in-house post and packing service and prices typically start from £13.99+VAT. In some instances we are able to offer additional insurance on your items (this doesn’t apply to ceramics, glass or other fragile items) — please enquire with our staff.
Selling with us
How do I sell my item with you?
Bring your items along to our saleroom any weekday between 9am and 5.30pm; email us photographs and a brief description; give us a call on 0117 967 1000 to speak to a valuer in Bristol or Bath; or book a free, no-obligation home visit.
Can I set a reserve price on my item?
Yes — you can place a reserve on your item, which must be agreed in writing with the valuer at the time of consignment. We do not reserve items under £50 low estimate, and an unsold fee of £5+VAT (£6) is levied on any lot with a reserve which doesn’t sell.
How will I know which auction my lot is entered into?
This is usually discussed at the time of consignment, however sometimes we may move items to sales we think are more suitable. A Pre-Sales Advice document is typically emailed 7 days prior to auction (14 days for specialist sales), with the full description, lot numbers and auction details.
Do I need to come to the auction?
No! Although we always welcome vendors into our saleroom with open arms. You can tune in online and watch your lot selling from wherever you may be, or just sit back, relax and wait for our Post-Sales Report to see how your items fared.
My item didn’t sell — what next?
Across the board our sales tend to have a sell-out rate of between 85–99%. In the rare instance that we were unable to find a buyer, we typically relist the item into an online-only auction immediately after the sale ends, or allocate it to the next suitable auction (typically with any reserves or estimates adjusted). If you don’t wish this to happen, you are welcome to collect the lot.